It has begun...

All the signs are starting to appear. I am excited, sad and terrified all mixed into one.
Autumn is starting to show the first signs that potty training is on the horizon.

Now Autumn is just about to turn 18 months old, so I understand that it is still early. I do not think that I am going to bring home a training toilet for her tomorrow, sit her on it, and have a toilet trained toddler. I do know that she is starting to show interest in the concept, going off by herself when she needs to go, and just recently she has started letting Steve and I know when she needs to be changed.

So, we have decided that in the next few weeks we will begin slowly introducing the concept to her. I plan on taking her to the store to buy the potty. From there we will show her what it is. We're going to leave it at that for now, unless she shows a lot of interest.

Just the fact that we have started having these discussions blows my mind. I was fine when Autumn started walking, a little sad when she was weened from the bottle, but potty training? This might just put me over the edge. Don't get me wrong, I do not look forward to changing diapers and will be happy when I have changed my last one. It is the right of passage that potty training is. Once this final milestone is complete there is no denying that my baby is no longer a baby. She will be wearing underwear, with her favorite cartoon characters splashed all over them. When did this happen?

So please, all you veteran potty trainers, share your advice. How did you start the process? How did your child react? Any tips for handling the transition, besides breathing into a paper bag?